"Her undeniable talent has gained her the highest level of recognition," said the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) - the ceremony's organiser.
"While her professional life has taken many turns, her unwavering commitment to evoking change has remained."
Fonda, 83, has had a glittering acting career spanning six decades.
The HFPA said she would be given the Cecil B deMille Award at the annual ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, on 28 February.
